Computer system and color adapter for imaging detectors and method of operation

ABSTRACT

A computer and color adapter system for an imaging detector, such as a Gamma ray imaging camera, for providing a visual presentation of the detected image. The signals developed by the imaging detector, in response to radiation stimuli, are applied to a digital computer when the signals are stored, and modified if desired. The stored signals may then be translated into visual form by applying them to an oscilloscope, or other similar readout device. A color camera system, including a color filter disc, may by utilized in conjunction with the oscilloscope and the computer in order to provide a multi-colored photograph representative of the detected image.

Unlted States Patent 3,697,956 Goldman et al. Oct. 10, 1972 [54) COMPUTER SYSTEM AND COLOR 3,345,6[6 10/1967 Avril et al ..340/ 172.5

ADAPTER FOR IMAGING DETECTORS AND METHOD OF OPERATION FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [72] Inventors: Samuel C. Goldman, Branford; l I 1967 Great Bmam Lance M. Albrech Wall d, both of Cmm mgfor Primary Examiner-Paul J l-lenon Assistant Examiner-Melvin B. Chapmck Asslgneel Picker Col'llollltlflll Attorney-Watts, Hoffmann, Fisher & Heinke [22] Filed: June 19, 1970 [57] ABSTRACT [21] App]. No.: 49,999

A computer and color adapter system for an imaging detector, such as a Gamma ray imaging camera, for [52] US. Cl. ..340/l72.5, 346/33 ME providing a visual presentation of the detected image. [5 l Int. Cl ..G0ld 9/4 2, G06f 3/14 The signals devebped by the imaging detector in [58] Fleld 0 Search ..340/l72.5, 346/33 ME response to radiation stimuli are pp to a digital R f 6 computer when the signals are stored, and modified if [56] e erences desired. The stored signals may then be translated into UNITED STATES PATENTS visual form by applying them to an oscilloscope, or other similar read-out device. A color camera system, 3,308,438 3/1967 sperge e! a] "340/1725 including a color filter disc, may by utilized in con- 3,483,565 l2/l969 .Iaffe et al. ..346/33 ME junction i the oscilloscope and the computer in 31181487 4H963 Clynes "346/33 ME X order to provide a multi-colorcd photograph represen- Prager t ti f h d t t d i g 3,333,247 7/l967 Hadley et al ..340/l 72.5 3,345,6l3 l0/l967 Bucholtz et al ..340/l72.5 31 Claims, 39 Drawing Figures SYSTEM INTERFACE -14- PAIENTEDucnmsn 3.697.956

SHEET OlllF 34 INVENTOR.

5A MUEL C. 60L OMAN BYLA NCE/Vl. ALBRECHT wwwwaw A 77'OfP/VE Y5 PATENTEDom 10 I972 SHEET UEIJF 34 INVENTOR. SAMUEL CGOLDMAN BYLA/VCEM ALBRECHT w Wmugfizdle? ATTORNE Y5 PATENTEU 10 I973 3.697.956

SHEET U30F 34 m 3 g Q." q. mm K 20 m g 2O Q: 033] \m HH E \k 12 1 g 89% D33] Q PH 4 6 8 Um v 2 w LQ'iI a 0...] g .Q. g .0. 0''. $.15 y kr v 8 1 I h T 7 '0 000:] g .000 BoLoooTl :0... [ooao 3/ $31 r (i t g 0E Q "Q u 8m Q :85

E INVENTOR O 2 [U 5A MUEL c. GOLDMAN k G 8 y LANCE M ALBRECHT Y), E wwwwfiwfim A TTORNE Y5 PHTENTED 10 I97? 3.697.956 sum as or 34 a A0 A P AG Ad AR VOLT S I INVENTOR.

SAMUEL CZGOLDMAN LANCE/V. ALBRECHT A TTORN PATENTEDum 10 m2 SHEET 100F34 INVENTOR. 5A MUEL c. 60L OMAN BY LA NCEMALBRECHT TTORNfYS Q@ 0% mm m PATENTEIJ B 3.697.956

SHEET 110F 34 I U1 5| $1 ('3: fil 5, 31 8| I 1 83'8' INVENTOIL SAMUEL CGOLDMAN By LANCE MALBRECHT ATTORNEYS P'A'TENTEDum 10 1912 3.697.956 sum 13 or 34 VOL T5 sawmil you-s 4 O G j l INVENTOR.

SAMUEL c GOLDMAN BY LANCE M. AL BRECHT 14 y/wwmw 5% A 77'ORNE YS PATENTEDBB 10 I972 3.697.956 SHEET 114 [1F 34 2 U 8%; a :GD

H HI" INVENTOR.

SAMUEL C. GOLDMAN LANCE/"ALBRECHT BY H ME H A rrozwvsrs PATENTED um 10 I972 SHEET 150F134 V k 1' INVENTOR.

SAMUEL c. GOLDMAN BY LANCE M. ALBRECHT ATT'O NEYS PATENTED 10 I973 3.697.956

SHEH 18 0F 34 8 g l N O \0 U) k U I Q E H" INVENTOR. SAMUEL C. GOLDMAN LANCE/l i ALBRECHT ATRDRNEXS PATENTEDUCI 10 I972 3.697.956 sum 18!]F 34 1' INVENTOR.

N SAMUEL c. GOL OMAN i Lul BY LANCE M. ALBRECHT A 770 RNEYS PATENTED BET I 0 I972 SHEET 19UF34 INVENTOR. jA/Vk/EL GOLD/WAN LANCE MALBRECHT ATTORNEYS 

1. In an imaging detection apparatus for providing a plurality of signals representative of the spatial distribution of incident stimuli from a subject under investigation, and having detection circuit means for developing electrical signals in response to the receipt of incident stimuli and circuit means coupled to said detection means for resolving a said plurality of signals into video formated signals having values representative of the positions of the incident stimuli; an image display system adapted to be coupled to said detection circuit means for receiving said position representative signalS and translating said position representative signals into an image representative of said spatial distribution of incident stimuli and comprising: computer means including storage means having a plurality of storage channels each having an address corresponding to the location of that channel with respect to said plurality of channels; interface means coupled to said detection circuit means and including; video converter means adapted to be coupled to a video recorder for receiving video formated signals and including circuit means for converting the received video formated signals into a plurality of digital signals; first circuit means for developing address information for each of said plurality of signals; second circuit means for applying each of said plurality of signals to a channel having an address corresponding to the address information of that signal; and, output circuit means coupled to said storage means for developing signals representative of the addresses of the storage channels; and, imaging means coupled to said output circuit means for, upon receipt of said channel address representative signals, providing a said image of said incident stimuli.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said video converter means includes; separator means for separating the video formated signals into binary ''''1'''' signals, binary ''''0'''' signals and synchronizing signals; counter means coupled to said separator means for developing a pattern of digital output signals representative of the number of received binary ''''1'''' and binary ''''0'''' signals; and, logic circuit means coupled to said separator means for actuating said counter means in response to the receipt of a synchronizing signal; and said imaging means includes; means for producing an illuminated spot; and, means for positioning a said illuminated spot to a selected one of a plurality of points each corresponding to one of said plurality of channels, said spot positioning means being coupled to said output circuit means so that said illuminated spot is positioned at points corresponding to the addresses of said storage channels.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said detection means defines a plurality of discrete positions each for receiving incident stimuli and each corresponding to one of said computer storage channels, and said first circuit means includes coding means for developing address information for each of said plurality of signals representative of the location of the discrete position having received an incident stimulus so that said second circuit means applies each of said plurality of signals into a storage channel corresponding to the discrete position having received an incident stimulus.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said computer means is a digital computer including a core memory having a plurality of said storage channels.
 5. In an imaging detection system having radiation detection means for developing electrical signals in response to the receipt of incident stimuli; a color adapter system comprising: an image display system adapted to be coupled to said detection means for receiving said electrical signals and translating said signals into an image representative of spatial distribution of said incident stimuli and comprising: computer means including storage means having a plurality of storage channels each having an address corresponding to the location of that channel with respect to said plurality of channels; interface means coupled to said detection circuit means and including; first circuit means for developing address information for each of said signals; second circuit means for applying each of said signals to a channel having an address corresponding to the address information of that signal; and, output circuit means coupled to said storage means for developing signals representative of the addreSses of the storage channels; and, means for producing an illuminated spot; and, means for positioning a said illuminated spot to a selected one of a plurality of points each corresponding to one of said plurality of channels, said spot positioning means being coupled to said output circuit means so that said illuminated spot is positioned at points corresponding to the addresses of said storage channels; a holder for a photosensitive sheet disposed to support said sheet in a position for exposure by said illuminated spot; color means interposed between said illuminating spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet; and, means coupled to said computer storage means for changing the color characteristics of the illuminated spot in accordance with the activity of the detection means.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said detection means defines a plurality of discrete positions each for receiving incident stimuli and each corresponding to one of said computer storage channels, and said first circuit means includes coding means for developing address information for each of said plurality of signals representative of the discrete position having received in incident stimulus so that said second circuit means applies each of said plurality of signals into a storage channel corresponding to the discrete position having received an incident stimulus.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said computer means is a digital computer including a core memory having a plurality of said storage channels.
 8. A radiation imaging device comprising detection means for developing a plurality of electrical signals which take the form of analog signals in response to the receipt of radiation; converting means coupled to said detection means for converting said analog electrical signals into electrical signals which take the form of video formated signals; digital computer means having storage means including a plurality of storage channels; interface means including video converter means for converting said video formated signals into a plurality of digital signals and circuit means for applying each of said digital signals to a preselected one of said computer storage channels; and, output circuit means coupled to said storage means for, upon actuation, developing a pattern of electrical signals representative of the signals applied to said storage means.
 9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said pattern of electrical signals take the form of digital signals and said video converter means includes; separator means for separating the video formated signals into binary ''''1'''' signals, binary ''''0'''' signals and synchronizing signals, counter means coupled to said separator means for developing a pattern of digital output signals representative of the number of received binary ''''1'''' and binary ''''0'''' signals, and, logic circuit means coupled to said separator means for actuating said counter means in response to the receipt of a synchronizing signal, and said imaging device includes output converter means for converting said pattern of electrical signals into electrical signals which take the form of analog signals.
 10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 including imaging means coupled to said output converter means for resolving said analog signals into a visual presentation representative of the values of said analog signals.
 11. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said imaging means includes means for producing a spot of illumination; means for positioning said spot of illumination; and said output converter means is coupled to said spot positioning means to thereby position said illuminated spot in accordance with the values of said analog signals.
 12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said illumination spot producing and positioning means comprise a cathode ray tube.
 13. An apparatus as defined in claim 11 including a holDer for a photosensitive sheet disposed to support said sheet in a position for exposure by said illuminated spot; color means interposed between said illuminating spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet, and, means coupled to said computer storage means for changing the color characteristics of the illuminated spot in accordance with the activity of the detection means.
 14. An apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said detection means defines a plurality of discrete positions each for receiving incident stimuli and each corresponding to one of said computer storage channels, and said first circuit means includes coding means for developing address information for each of said plurality of signals representative of the discrete position having received an incident stimulus so that said second circuit means applies each of said plurality of signals into a storage channel corresponding to the discrete position having received an incident stimulus.
 15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said computer means is a digital computer including a core memory having a plurality of said storage channels.
 16. An imaging detection apparatus for providing a plurality of signals representative of spatial distribution and comprising: computer means including storage means having a plurality of storage channels each having an address corresponding to the location of that channel with respect to said plurality of channels; interface means coupled to said computer means and including; video converter means adapted to be coupled to a video recorder for receiving video formated signals and including circuit means for converting the received video formated signals into a plurality of digital signals; first circuit means for developing address information for each of said plurality of signals; second circuit means for applying each of said plurality of signals to a channel having an address corresponding to the address information of that signal; and, output circuit means coupled to said storage means for developing signals representative of the addresses of the storage channels; and, imaging means coupled to said output circuit means for, upon receipt of said channel address representative signals, providing an image of said spatial distribution.
 17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said imaging means includes; means for producing an illuminated spot; and, means for positioning a said illuminated spot to a selected one of a plurality of points each corresponding to one of said plurality of channels, said spot positioning means being coupled to said output circuit means so that said illuminated spot is positioned at points corresponding to the addresses of said storage channels.
 18. A radiation imaging device comprising: detection means for developing a plurality of electrical signals which take the form of analog signals in response to the receipt of radiation; converting means coupled to said detection means for converting said plurality of analog electrical signals into electrical signals which take the form of digital signals; digital computer means having storage means including a plurality of storage channels; interface means for applying each of said digital signals to a preselected one of said computer storage channels; output circuit means coupled to said storage means for, upon actuation, developing output electrical signals having values representative of the signals applied to said storage means; imaging means for producing a spot of illumination; means coupled to said output circuit means for positioning said spot of illumination in accordance with the values of said output electrical signals; a holder for a photosensitive sheet disposed to support said sheet in a position for exposure by said illuminated spot; color means interposed between said illuminating spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet holder; and, means coupled to said output Circuit means for changing the color characteristics of the illuminated spot in accordance with the activity of the detection means.
 19. An apparatus as defined in claim 18 wherein said color means includes color filter means interposed between said illumination spot producing means and said holder for a photosensitive sheet, said filter means including at least two means defining spectral bands; and means coupled to said circuit means for rotating said color filter means to position a selected one of the spectral defining means between said spot producing means and said holder in accordance with the value of a corresponding one of said signals.
 20. An apparatus as defined in claim 19 wherein said color filter means includes a color wheel having a plurality of filters spaced around an axis of rotation for changing the color characteristics of said spot of illumination; and said rotating means includes a stepping motor, for upon being actuated, rotating said color filter means until a selected one of said plurality of filter means is interposed between said spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet holder.
 21. An apparatus as defined in claim 20 including shutter means interposed between said spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet holder; and actuating means coupled to said shutter means for, upon energization, opening said shutter means to allow light energy from said illuminating spot to strike said holder.
 22. In a radiation imaging device having circuit means for producing a train of signals having values representative of radiation activity of discrete positions, means for producing a spot of illumination, means for positioning said spot of illumination at coordinate positions corresponding to said discrete positions, a holder for a photosensitive sheet, a color adapter comprising: color filter means interposed between said illumination spot producing means and said holder for a photosensitive sheet, said filter means including at least two means defining spectral bands; and, means coupled to said circuit means for rotating said color filter means to position a selected one of the spectral defining means between said spot producing means and said holder in accordance with the value of a corresponding one of said signals.
 23. An apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein said color filter means includes a color wheel having a plurality of filters spaced around an axis of rotation for changing the color characteristics of said spot of illumination; and said rotating means includes a stepping motor, for upon being actuated, rotating said color filter means until a selected one of said plurality of filter means is interposed between said spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet holder.
 24. An apparatus as defined in claim 23 including shutter means interposed between said spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet holder; and actuating means coupled to said shutter means for, upon energization, opening said shutter means to allow light energy from said illuminating spot to strike said holder.
 25. In an imaging detection apparatus for providing a plurality of signals representative of the spatial distribution of incident stimuli from a subject under investigation, and having detection circuit means for developing electrical signals in response to the receipt of incident stimuli and circuit means coupled to said detection means for resolving a said plurality of signals into video formated signals having values representative of the positions of the incident stimuli; an image display system adapted to be coupled to said detection circuit means for receiving said position representative signals and translating said position representative signals into an image representative of said spatial distribution of incident stimuli and comprising: computer means including storage means having a plurality of storage channels each having an address corresponding to the location of that channel with respect to saiD plurality of channels; interface means coupled to said detection circuit means and including; video converter means adapted to be coupled to a video recorder for receiving video formated signals and including circuit means for converting the received video formated signals into a plurality of digital signals; first circuit means for developing address information for each of said plurality of signals; second circuit means for applying each of said plurality of signals to a channel having an address corresponding to the address information of that signal; and, output circuit means coupled to said storage means for developing signals representative of the addresses of the storage channels; and, imaging means coupled to said output circuit means for, upon receipt of said channel address representative signals, providing a said image of said incident stimuli; a holder for a photosensitive sheet disposed to support said sheet in a position for exposure by said illuminated spot; color means interposed between said illuminating spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet holder; and, means coupled to said output circuit means for changing the color characteristics of the illuminated spot in accordance with the activity of the detection means.
 26. An apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein said color means includes color filter means interposed between said illumination spot producing means and said holder for a photosensitive sheet, said filter means including at least two means defining spectral bands; and means coupled to said circuit means for rotating said color filter means to position a selected one of the spectral defining means between said spot producing means and said holder in accordance with the value of a corresponding one of said signals.
 27. An apparatus as defined in claim 26 wherein said color filter means includes a color wheel having a plurality of filters spaced around an axis of rotation for changing the color characteristics of said spot of illumination; and said rotating means includes a stepping motor, for upon being actuated, rotating said color filter means until a selected one of said plurality of filter means is interposed between said spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet holder.
 28. An apparatus as defined in claim 27 including shutter means interposed between said spot producing means and said photosensitive sheet holder; and actuating means coupled to said shutter means for, upon energization, opening said shutter means to allow light energy from said illuminating spot to strike said holder.
 29. A method of operating a radiation imaging device having means for producing a spot of illumination, a holder for a photosensitive sheet positioned to receive light energy from the spot of illumination, means for moving the spot of illumination to a plurality of predetermined coordinate positions, color means having at least two filter positions each of which defines a spectral band, comprising the steps of: positioning said color means so that one of said color filter portions is interposed between the illumination spot and the photosensitive sheet holder; moving said illumination spot to a plurality of predetermined positions; positioning said color means so that another one of said color filter portions is interposed between the illumination spot and the photosensitive sheet holder; and, moving said illumination spot to a plurality of predetermined positions.
 30. A method of operating a radiation imaging device having means for producing a spot of illumination, a holder for a photosensitive sheet positioned to receive light energy from the spot of illumination, means for moving the spot of illumination to a plurality of predetermined coordinate positions, color means having at least two filter positions each of which defines a spectral band, comprising the steps of: positioning said color means so that one of said color filter portions is interPosed between the illumination spot and the photosensitive sheet holder; moving said illumination spot to a first plurality of predetermined positions; positioning said color means so that another one of said color filter portions is interposed between the illumination spot and the photosensitive sheet holder; and, moving said illumination spot to a second plurality of predetermined positions at least some of which are coincident with positions of said first plurality of predetermined positions.
 31. A method of operating a radiation imaging device having means for producing a spot of illumination, a holder for a photosensitive sheet positioned to receive light energy from the spot of illumination, means for moving the spot of illumination to a plurality of predetermined coordinate positions, color means having at least three filter positions each of which defines a spectral band, comprising the steps of: positioning said color means so that one of said color filter portions is interposed between the illumination spot and the photosensitive sheet holder; moving said illumination spot to a first plurality of predetermined positions; positioning said color means so that the second one of said color filter portions is interposed between the illumination spot and the photosensitive sheet holder; moving said illumination spot to a second plurality of predetermined positions at least some of which are coincident with positions of said first plurality of predetermined positions; positioning said color means so that a third one of said color filter portions is interposed between the illumination spot and the photosensitive sheet holder; and, moving said illumination spot to a third plurality of predetermined positions at least some of which are coincident with positions of said first and second plurality of predetermined positions. 